Back when Jenny and I were newlyweds, we were in the car and driving back to Avis on Water St., in Lock Haven. We were listening to a worship CD in the car, and Jenny was doing fine. I, however, had the worst migraine ever. I was sick to my stomach, my head felt like it was about to explode, my vision was blurry, and I was driving… it was not a good situation. Then, in an outburst that surprised Jenny, I began shouting in tongues. When I had finished, my stomach had settled, my vision was clear, my headache was completely gone, and I felt well rested and refreshed!
Today, as throughout history, tongues has been one of the most attacked manifestations of the Holy Spirit. The enemy knows that it is a very powerful tool that every Christian should be using regularly. It is made-fun of on TV, labeled as babble by intellectuals, and persecuted by fellow Christians. Satan, it seems, will use anyone that he can to bully it out of existence. Even among churches that have been historically Pentecostal, tongues has become something that is little talked about, hidden, and seldom used. I’ve talked to individuals that grew up in such “Pentecostal†churches, and they have said that they only heard one person ever speak or pray in tongues! Folks, this should not be! Tongues is far too valuable to give up to the enemy!
Speaking in tongues is the ability of the spirit of a believer to pray in a language that they do not understand, by the power of the Holy Spirit. This can be in a language of men or angels (1Cor. 13:1). Currently, there are 7139 active world languages, 573 dead languages, and 24 fictional languages (so yes, Tolkien Elvish and Klingon are possibilities), and that’s not even counting all of the angelic language possibilities that we have no clue about. And, considering the fact that God can literally create meanings for any syllable that he wants…the possibilities are endless.
Tongues is so much more than many, in the modern church, think it is. It is a multifaceted gift that is intended to be used by all believers. Tongues is promised to, and expected to follow, all believers: “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;†(Mark 16:17).
Scripture presents Tongues as a sign that one has received the promise of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
When acting as a gift of the Holy Spirit, it is used to deliver a message during a gathering, when accompanied by an interpretation.
The Bible teaches that it is the prayer language of the spirit where the Holy Spirit uses our spirit to pray the will of God.
Paul calls this praying in the spirit.
Praying in the spirit (in tongues) is an often forgotten part of the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18, and is to be used in spiritual warfare “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…†(Eph. 6:18 NKJV).
It builds up (edifies) us spiritually. This is a term that we would use when charging up our phones. When we charge them, we are edifying them.
In a scientific study by Carl Peterson M.D. (2011), it was found that speaking in tongues will boost our immune system by 35 to 40 percent. Another study by Lynn (2013), found that those who spend time speaking in tongues, will have a reduction of stress. And, in a study by Francis and Robbins (2003) they found that those who speak in tongues have greater emotional stability. So, speaking/praying in tongues will not only edify you spiritually, but emotionally and physically as well. What an awesome gift!
The Apostle Paul makes the declaration that he speaks in tongues often. “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all;†(1 Cor. 14:18 NKJV), and, through him, declares God’s will that we all speak in tongues. “I wish you all spoke with tongues…†(1 Cor. 14:5a NKJV)
Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit? If so, you have received from Him the ability to speak and pray in tongues. I urge you to use it often. Especially when you are feeling spiritually dry. It will charge you back up, and motivate you to do great things in His Name. And, never, never, never hide it or give it up for the sake of fitting in with those who do not understand the power of God. If you have never received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and have never spoken in tongues, I would encourage you to begin to ask God for this. Approach the leaders of the church, and they will pray with you. There are a great many people in our church that would be happy to stand with you in prayer, till you receive the promise of the Father, the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Till next time,
Jason
Today, as throughout history, tongues has been one of the most attacked manifestations of the Holy Spirit. The enemy knows that it is a very powerful tool that every Christian should be using regularly. It is made-fun of on TV, labeled as babble by intellectuals, and persecuted by fellow Christians. Satan, it seems, will use anyone that he can to bully it out of existence. Even among churches that have been historically Pentecostal, tongues has become something that is little talked about, hidden, and seldom used. I’ve talked to individuals that grew up in such “Pentecostal†churches, and they have said that they only heard one person ever speak or pray in tongues! Folks, this should not be! Tongues is far too valuable to give up to the enemy!
Speaking in tongues is the ability of the spirit of a believer to pray in a language that they do not understand, by the power of the Holy Spirit. This can be in a language of men or angels (1Cor. 13:1). Currently, there are 7139 active world languages, 573 dead languages, and 24 fictional languages (so yes, Tolkien Elvish and Klingon are possibilities), and that’s not even counting all of the angelic language possibilities that we have no clue about. And, considering the fact that God can literally create meanings for any syllable that he wants…the possibilities are endless.
Tongues is so much more than many, in the modern church, think it is. It is a multifaceted gift that is intended to be used by all believers. Tongues is promised to, and expected to follow, all believers: “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;†(Mark 16:17).
Scripture presents Tongues as a sign that one has received the promise of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
- “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.†(Acts 2:4 NKJV)
- “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word…For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.†(Acts 10:44,46 NKJV)
- “And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:6 NKJV).
When acting as a gift of the Holy Spirit, it is used to deliver a message during a gathering, when accompanied by an interpretation.
- “...to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.†(1 Cor. 12:10 NKJV)
- “If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret†(1Cor. 14:27 NKJV).
The Bible teaches that it is the prayer language of the spirit where the Holy Spirit uses our spirit to pray the will of God.
- “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.†(1Cor. 14:2 NKJV)
- “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.†(1Cor. 14:14 NKJV)
- “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.†(Rom. 8:26 NKJV).
Paul calls this praying in the spirit.
- “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding." (1 Cor. 14:14,15 NKJV).
Praying in the spirit (in tongues) is an often forgotten part of the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18, and is to be used in spiritual warfare “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…†(Eph. 6:18 NKJV).
It builds up (edifies) us spiritually. This is a term that we would use when charging up our phones. When we charge them, we are edifying them.
- “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself,…†(1 Cor. 14:4a NKJV)
- “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,†(Jude 1:20 NKJV).
In a scientific study by Carl Peterson M.D. (2011), it was found that speaking in tongues will boost our immune system by 35 to 40 percent. Another study by Lynn (2013), found that those who spend time speaking in tongues, will have a reduction of stress. And, in a study by Francis and Robbins (2003) they found that those who speak in tongues have greater emotional stability. So, speaking/praying in tongues will not only edify you spiritually, but emotionally and physically as well. What an awesome gift!
The Apostle Paul makes the declaration that he speaks in tongues often. “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all;†(1 Cor. 14:18 NKJV), and, through him, declares God’s will that we all speak in tongues. “I wish you all spoke with tongues…†(1 Cor. 14:5a NKJV)
Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit? If so, you have received from Him the ability to speak and pray in tongues. I urge you to use it often. Especially when you are feeling spiritually dry. It will charge you back up, and motivate you to do great things in His Name. And, never, never, never hide it or give it up for the sake of fitting in with those who do not understand the power of God. If you have never received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and have never spoken in tongues, I would encourage you to begin to ask God for this. Approach the leaders of the church, and they will pray with you. There are a great many people in our church that would be happy to stand with you in prayer, till you receive the promise of the Father, the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Till next time,
Jason
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